In 2002, Wisden named Muttiah Muralitharan the greatest bowler of all time - ahead of Shane Warne, Sydney Barnes, Wasim Akram and even Malcolm Marshall. The second name on that list helped explain why Murali was valued so highly. Like Murali, Richard Hadlee felt his team's burden more heavily than most other great bowlers. Both men, and Murali in particular, some would say have their records demeaned by the notion that they would not have taken so many wickets had they played in a better attack. Wisden, instead, asserted that it was in spite of their team-mates' failures, not because of them, that they are champions.

It is an argument that few who saw Sri Lanka toil against New Zealand can effectively rebut. For so long on day two, Rangana Herath seemed the only bowler capable of taking a wicket - even those of batsmen as undaunting as Jeetan Patel or Tim Southee. His team-mates veered from innocuous to wayward in comparison, and at times, their indiscipline actively made Herath's task more difficult.

Shaminda Eranga appears to be in possession of swing, seam and pace - the raw materials that might see him become a successful international bowler - but if he is to rise above the mediocre achievements of so many Sri Lankan quicks before him, he cannot be as wild as he was in the first innings. He was lucky to be awarded his only wicket when Brendon McCullum inside edged a ball that was deemed to have trapped him lbw. Perhaps it is only fair to mention that he was equally unfortunate not to dismiss Ross Taylor on the first morning, but that should not sweep away the cold truth that he might have gone wicketless for almost 100 runs if not for an umpire's howler.

On the first day, he achieved good lift and occasional seam movement with some deliveries, but could not sustain his intensity, often even through one over. In addition to straying down the leg-side and bowling poor lengths, his pace would vary wildly from ball to ball - some in the mid-140s, others barely faster than 130kph. The New Zealand fast bowlers' inability to generate appreciable movement with their new ball confirmed there was not much to be had in the conditions, but they continued to threaten the batsmen regardless, bowling with the fire and accuracy of which Eranga's spells were bereft.

Suraj Randiv may have been relieved mid-week when he was named as the only other spinner in the squad to Australia after Sri Lanka's chief selector had insinuated his place was under threat, but three innings in a row now, his spin has been utterly outshone by Herath's. The extra bounce in the P Sara pitch should supplement his high delivery point and topspin, yet the batsmen were rarely troubled by him. His figures were spared by an uncharacteristically reticent New Zealand approach, but his spells were awash with deliveries that released the pressure Herath was forced to mount anew every over, at the other end. That he bowled only three maidens in 39 overs betray his indiscipline. In comparison 10 of Herath's 49 overs yielded nothing to the opposition; unsurprisingly, Herath was also Sri Lanka's most economical bowler in addition to being their most penetrative.

Nuwan Kulasekara, cannot hope to take many Test wickets when the conditions do not grant him swing. It is hard to find fault with his effort, or his lines and lengths, but being barrel-straight at just over 120kph, he would not have daunted good club sides at the P Sara on day two. That is not to say he is unfit for Tests because he is a decided asset when there is movement to be found, but perhaps the selectors can be more discerning when choosing him in the XI on tracks as flat as this one. He seemed content to stay with his Plan A too, when perhaps a few leg cutters and the like would not have gone amiss. Sri Lanka need better than a holding bowler from their new ball paceman, and for large periods in the first innings, the most Kulasekara could hope to achieve were a few cheap overs.

History, ancient and modern, teaches us that the most successful sides have attacks that hunt as a pack and flourish in the pressure their partners create. Sri Lanka have never possessed such an attack, and on present evidence, will not produce one in the immediate future. In the 15 years before his retirement Sri Lanka may have relied heavily on Murali for breakthroughs, but in addition to his inimitable class, they also had Chaminda Vaas' toiling cannily in support. Herath has done his best to take on Murali's mantle, but in this Test, so far, he has been poorly assisted and that is a failure a friendly Sri Lanka attack cannot long afford.

Herath is a spinner with master class .. true that he needs to have a partner to pick up more wickets.. two 6 wicket hauls in consecutive innings is really an effort appreciable

POSTED BY
on | November 27, 2012, 4:10 GMT

This article carrys very serious facts about the bawling attack Sri Lanka currently possesses. This is an eyeopener to Selectors, coaches, etc.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | November 27, 2012, 2:42 GMT

Why not play Dhammika Prasad instead of useless Randiv???

POSTED BY
Saman_WMA
on | November 27, 2012, 1:35 GMT

Can anyone explain me what Suraj Randeev is doing in SL team? Galle is one of the most spin friendly wicket in the world. Even an average spinner such as Nathan Lyon utilized conditions in Galle to defeat Sri Lanka. when Suraj cannot capitalize those conditions in Galle, how can we expect him to take wickets in Australia.

POSTED BY
Vikum72
on | November 27, 2012, 0:47 GMT

Randiv looked very promising when he first broke in to the scene. However it's sad to say that he hasn't progressed at all from that initial promise; in fact he may have gone backwards! I believe it's high time SL selectors try out a youngster. If Randiv is serious about his international career, he has to raise his game and add hew weapons to his armory. He can take heart from Herath.

POSTED BY
Litmus
on | November 27, 2012, 0:11 GMT

Every year we hear about new talented spin bowlers coming through school cricket system with bag full of wickets...only to be never heard of again.

POSTED BY
Reggaecricket
on | November 26, 2012, 21:19 GMT

Like Kapugedara and Chamara Silva before him, Suraj Radiv must possess some luck or Asantha De Mel thinks he has something known only to him. Radiv did nothing to earn his place in this series, but amazingly, has booked his berth on the tour to Australia as well. The young spinner Dananjay impressed in the T20s and I hear that there is another young spinner waiting in the wings. With Hearth not being a spring chicken anymore doesn't it make sense to give the young lads a chance?

POSTED BY
yohandf1984
on | November 26, 2012, 20:15 GMT

Spot on Andrew . In a reasonably flat pitch , we cant have both Kula and Eranga . there should be a one who hits the deck hard . I still prefer Dilhara there . he is wayward but can produce couple of wickets . Randiv doesnt look like a threat for most batsmen . Why not Ajantha Mendia another go or Sachithra senanayake even seekuge Prasanna . ( surely akila nad tharindu are too inexperienced for tests) Selectors make some brave changes .

POSTED BY
on | November 26, 2012, 19:47 GMT

Best Team to face Australia- Dilshan. Paranavithana/Dimuth, Sanga, Mahela, Samaraweera,Angelo,Chandimal,Thisara (Though not picked for tour) herath,kulasekara,Eranga. a perfect blend of two allrounders, two pacers, one spinner and steady batting.

POSTED BY
Sulaimaan91
on | November 26, 2012, 16:25 GMT

Chanaka Welegedara is being missed, he doesnt have great stats but of late he had been putting up good performances until he got injured.In addition to that, he is a left armer and is effective with the old ball as well.SL might have to think between Nuwan and Chanaka in the future.

POSTED BY
on | November 27, 2012, 5:06 GMT

Herath is a spinner with master class .. true that he needs to have a partner to pick up more wickets.. two 6 wicket hauls in consecutive innings is really an effort appreciable

POSTED BY
on | November 27, 2012, 4:10 GMT

This article carrys very serious facts about the bawling attack Sri Lanka currently possesses. This is an eyeopener to Selectors, coaches, etc.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | November 27, 2012, 2:42 GMT

Why not play Dhammika Prasad instead of useless Randiv???

POSTED BY
Saman_WMA
on | November 27, 2012, 1:35 GMT

Can anyone explain me what Suraj Randeev is doing in SL team? Galle is one of the most spin friendly wicket in the world. Even an average spinner such as Nathan Lyon utilized conditions in Galle to defeat Sri Lanka. when Suraj cannot capitalize those conditions in Galle, how can we expect him to take wickets in Australia.

POSTED BY
Vikum72
on | November 27, 2012, 0:47 GMT

Randiv looked very promising when he first broke in to the scene. However it's sad to say that he hasn't progressed at all from that initial promise; in fact he may have gone backwards! I believe it's high time SL selectors try out a youngster. If Randiv is serious about his international career, he has to raise his game and add hew weapons to his armory. He can take heart from Herath.

POSTED BY
Litmus
on | November 27, 2012, 0:11 GMT

Every year we hear about new talented spin bowlers coming through school cricket system with bag full of wickets...only to be never heard of again.

POSTED BY
Reggaecricket
on | November 26, 2012, 21:19 GMT

Like Kapugedara and Chamara Silva before him, Suraj Radiv must possess some luck or Asantha De Mel thinks he has something known only to him. Radiv did nothing to earn his place in this series, but amazingly, has booked his berth on the tour to Australia as well. The young spinner Dananjay impressed in the T20s and I hear that there is another young spinner waiting in the wings. With Hearth not being a spring chicken anymore doesn't it make sense to give the young lads a chance?

POSTED BY
yohandf1984
on | November 26, 2012, 20:15 GMT

Spot on Andrew . In a reasonably flat pitch , we cant have both Kula and Eranga . there should be a one who hits the deck hard . I still prefer Dilhara there . he is wayward but can produce couple of wickets . Randiv doesnt look like a threat for most batsmen . Why not Ajantha Mendia another go or Sachithra senanayake even seekuge Prasanna . ( surely akila nad tharindu are too inexperienced for tests) Selectors make some brave changes .

POSTED BY
on | November 26, 2012, 19:47 GMT

Best Team to face Australia- Dilshan. Paranavithana/Dimuth, Sanga, Mahela, Samaraweera,Angelo,Chandimal,Thisara (Though not picked for tour) herath,kulasekara,Eranga. a perfect blend of two allrounders, two pacers, one spinner and steady batting.

POSTED BY
Sulaimaan91
on | November 26, 2012, 16:25 GMT

Chanaka Welegedara is being missed, he doesnt have great stats but of late he had been putting up good performances until he got injured.In addition to that, he is a left armer and is effective with the old ball as well.SL might have to think between Nuwan and Chanaka in the future.

POSTED BY
chrisriemers
on | November 26, 2012, 16:01 GMT

Still cannot believe a average bowler like Suraj Randiv keeps getting into the team ahead of all the mystery spinners we have in SriLanka.

POSTED BY
on | November 26, 2012, 15:21 GMT

Ajantha Mendis would have well supported Herath. i wonder why he was not named in the squad to tour down under ahead of Randiv. Although Sri Lanka would be unlikely to play two spinners in first two tests they could try that in Sydney in the third test.

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
on | November 26, 2012, 15:21 GMT

Ajantha Mendis would have well supported Herath. i wonder why he was not named in the squad to tour down under ahead of Randiv. Although Sri Lanka would be unlikely to play two spinners in first two tests they could try that in Sydney in the third test.

POSTED BY
chrisriemers
on | November 26, 2012, 16:01 GMT

Still cannot believe a average bowler like Suraj Randiv keeps getting into the team ahead of all the mystery spinners we have in SriLanka.

POSTED BY
Sulaimaan91
on | November 26, 2012, 16:25 GMT

Chanaka Welegedara is being missed, he doesnt have great stats but of late he had been putting up good performances until he got injured.In addition to that, he is a left armer and is effective with the old ball as well.SL might have to think between Nuwan and Chanaka in the future.

POSTED BY
on | November 26, 2012, 19:47 GMT

Best Team to face Australia- Dilshan. Paranavithana/Dimuth, Sanga, Mahela, Samaraweera,Angelo,Chandimal,Thisara (Though not picked for tour) herath,kulasekara,Eranga. a perfect blend of two allrounders, two pacers, one spinner and steady batting.

POSTED BY
yohandf1984
on | November 26, 2012, 20:15 GMT

Spot on Andrew . In a reasonably flat pitch , we cant have both Kula and Eranga . there should be a one who hits the deck hard . I still prefer Dilhara there . he is wayward but can produce couple of wickets . Randiv doesnt look like a threat for most batsmen . Why not Ajantha Mendia another go or Sachithra senanayake even seekuge Prasanna . ( surely akila nad tharindu are too inexperienced for tests) Selectors make some brave changes .

POSTED BY
Reggaecricket
on | November 26, 2012, 21:19 GMT

Like Kapugedara and Chamara Silva before him, Suraj Radiv must possess some luck or Asantha De Mel thinks he has something known only to him. Radiv did nothing to earn his place in this series, but amazingly, has booked his berth on the tour to Australia as well. The young spinner Dananjay impressed in the T20s and I hear that there is another young spinner waiting in the wings. With Hearth not being a spring chicken anymore doesn't it make sense to give the young lads a chance?

POSTED BY
Litmus
on | November 27, 2012, 0:11 GMT

Every year we hear about new talented spin bowlers coming through school cricket system with bag full of wickets...only to be never heard of again.

POSTED BY
Vikum72
on | November 27, 2012, 0:47 GMT

Randiv looked very promising when he first broke in to the scene. However it's sad to say that he hasn't progressed at all from that initial promise; in fact he may have gone backwards! I believe it's high time SL selectors try out a youngster. If Randiv is serious about his international career, he has to raise his game and add hew weapons to his armory. He can take heart from Herath.

POSTED BY
Saman_WMA
on | November 27, 2012, 1:35 GMT

Can anyone explain me what Suraj Randeev is doing in SL team? Galle is one of the most spin friendly wicket in the world. Even an average spinner such as Nathan Lyon utilized conditions in Galle to defeat Sri Lanka. when Suraj cannot capitalize those conditions in Galle, how can we expect him to take wickets in Australia.